Track chain model updating for static simulations: numerical-experimental comparison

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the effects of a static load applied on the track chain of a tracklaying vehicle. This is done by creating a model of both the single track component and the whole chain and then performing a linear static analysis on them. An experimental activity is conducted on a real track component in order to characterize the rubber material composing the specimen and to check the validity of the models. The CAD model of the single track component is created in SolidWorks using the geometrical dimensions gathered from the measurement of the real specimen. Then, a Finite Element Model is created in SolidWorks using tetrahedral elements and the results of the simulation are analysed. Finally, a model-order reduction was performed in order to reduce the number of degrees of freedom, allowing us to generate the whole chain model in LUPOS.